Grassroots gravel event in Upper Peninsula.
Reputation: Small regional Upper Peninsula event.
[01]
Course Overview
Upper Peninsula Michigan wilderness gravel in Iron Mountain.
62 mi
Distance
4,000 ft
Elevation
Iron Mountain, Michigan
Location
September 27, 2026
Date
~50
Field Size
$60-90
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / Dirty Chain Podcast Michigan Midpack Media
Photo: YouTube / Dirty Chain Podcast Michigan Midpack MediaRolling to hilly Upper Peninsula wilderness gravel.
Signature challenge: Rolling to hilly Upper Peninsula terrain and remote location.
20
MILE
Wilderness Climbing
Elevation gain in forest.
40
MILE
Midpoint
Halfway through wilderness.
55
MILE
Final Stretch
Last miles to finish.
[04]
From the Field
The guys that ride in the Green Bay area often ride together and coordinate training rides, which really does make for a good cycling community. And when you're outnumbered four to one at the start line, you just kind of swallow and say, here we go.
Dirty Chain Podcast Michigan Midpack Media · 43 views
Part of me still connects more with the smaller local grassroot events that started this whole trend in the first place. Races like the lone wolf.
Dirty Chain Podcast Michigan Midpack Media · 43 views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Lone Wolf Gravel? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
September 27, 2026 LONE WOLF GRAVEL
[08]
Train for Lone Wolf Gravel
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
2
Climbing
5
VO2 Power
2
Threshold
6
Technical
4
Heat
0
Altitude
2
Race Specificity
5
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Green Bay (GRB) 2 hours, or Detroit (DTW) 5 hours
Lodging
Iron Mountain has basic lodging. Small city with limited options.
Food
Small city with basic dining. Stock up beforehand.
Packet Pickup
Race morning
Parking
At start/finish
[10]
Tire Picks
38mmMIXED
1
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
2
Vittoria Terreno Mix
Graphene versatility. Mixed-terrain grip with reasonable rolling speed.
3
Continental Terra Trail
excellent wet grip
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass 44mm / Specialized Pathfinder Pro 38mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
[—]
Similar Races
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Lone Wolf Gravel?
Historical weather data shows average highs of 71°F and lows of 53°F, with a 39% chance of rain on any given day. Race day 2022 delivered "27° in the morning 55° in the afternoon. Partly sunny. Peak color change. A perfect fall day in dah U.P." Late September timing offers spectacular fall colors but requires layering for the temperature swing. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[6]
How are the logistics for Lone Wolf Gravel?
Start location coordinates provided (gravel pit off Sportsmens Club Road), but conflicting start times listed - BikeSignup says 9:15 AM while MGRS says 7:00 AM. James Morrow admits timing issues: "we had some disconnects with the manual timing and weren't able to log everyone's times."[1]
How adventurous is Lone Wolf Gravel?
Course creators found the route "while searching to find as much remote gravel as possible" and encountered a gray wolf that gave the race its name. Minimal marking means navigation challenges add uncertainty to the wilderness experience.[6]
How prestigious is Lone Wolf Gravel?
Dan Teaters is listed as a three-time winner and Andrew Knickerbocker placed 2nd in the 100-mile, but this grassroots event explicitly holds "to the tradition of grass-root origins" rather than pursuing marquee status.[4]
Should I race Lone Wolf Gravel?
Only if you're in the Upper Peninsula or planning UP tourism. Not worth the long drive for the race alone.
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Other Sources Diablocyclingwww.diablocycling.com/races-events--blog/the-lone-wolf-gr...
- Other Sources Komcyclingkomcycling.com/blogs/product-blogs/episode-95-the-lone-wo...
- Other Sources Bikesignupwww.bikesignup.com/Race/MI/IronMountain/TheLoneWolfGravel...
- Other Sources Michigangravelraceserieswww.michigangravelraceseries.com/schedule/lonewolfgravel
- Other Sources Upsportandspokewww.upsportandspoke.com/lonewolfgravelrace
- Community thenxrth.com: The Lone Wolf Sequel 2022 Reroutes Peak Colors A Perfect ...www.thenxrth.com/post/the-lone-wolf-sequel-2022-reroutes-...